A Vibraphone Workout With A Tinfoil Twist

Call it a percussionist's answer to Flight of the Bumblebee — with a twist. "Filigree," by composer Robert Honstein, is a rapid-fire workout for solo vibraphone. The instrument's bars, however, are partly covered in tinfoil, which adds a unique layer of color to the music.

The opening passages stick to the unadorned bars in the vibraphone's upper range, played with laser focus by percussionist Doug Perkins. Then the music drops into the lower frequencies — tinfoil territory — and the texture shifts. The foil adds sizzle to the instrument's sound that's a bit like a jazz drummer's ride cymbal.

Today's Top Story

"Filigree" is the two-minute opening section to An Economy of Means, featured on Honstein's new album of the same name. At other points in the piece, Perkins draws a violin bow across the vibraphone bars to play dreamy chords. He lays a manila folder on the instrument, and suddenly it packs the punch of a snare drum or woodblock. It's a surprisingly rich sonic romp that unfolds over a half-hour.

As music videos go, this one is pretty spartan: a crack musician performs in a well-lit, open space. Then again, watching Perkins tear through the lightning-quick music in "Filigree" without breaking a sweat is dazzling on its own.

Deceptive Cadence

Deceptive Cadence covers the world of classical music. Hosted by Tom Huizenga and Anastasia Tsioulcas, it's an open space for discussion, discovery, music listening and news. Want to know more? Read our introductory post. Have a question or comment? Contact us.